SPORT NORTHERN IRELAND...This was the highest ever number of competitors from NI at an Olympic...

SPORT NORTHERN IRELAND

Public Authority Statutory Equality and Good Relations Duties

Annual Progress Report 2016‐17

Contact:

Section 75 of the NI Act 1998 and Equality Scheme

Name: Leigh Brown

Telephone: 02899 383 863

Email: [email protected]

Section 49A of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and Disability Action Plan

As above

Name:

Telephone:

Email:

Documents published relating to our Equality Scheme can be found at:

http://www.sportni.net/about‐us/equality/

Signature:

This report has been prepared using a template circulated by the Equality Commission. It presents our progress in fulfilling our statutory equality and good relations duties, and implementing Equality Scheme commitments and Disability Action Plans. This report reflects progress made between April 2016 and March 2017

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PART A – Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and Equality Scheme

Section 1: Equality and good relations outcomes, impacts and good practice

1 In 2016‐17, please provide examples of key policy/service delivery developments made by the public authority in this reporting period to better promote equality of opportunity and good relations; and the outcomes and improvements achieved.

Please relate these to the implementation of your statutory equality and good relations duties and Equality Scheme where appropriate.

PROMOTING EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY BY INCREASING PARTICIPATION

Sport Northern Ireland (Sport NI) has continued to increase and sustain levels of participation among people of all ages, identities, abilities, backgrounds, and to promote lifelong physical activity by developing and implementing innovative policies and programmes, including the following:

Active Clubs aims to create, strengthen and sustain opportunities that support pathways to lifelong participation in sport and physical activity. EveryBody Active 2020 aims to increase quality opportunities for targeted groups to develop and sustain participation in sport across key life-course transitions. Active Outdoors aims to increase participation in sport and physical activity by providing sustainable access to Northern Ireland’s rich and varied natural environment.

Active Awards Programme aims to prioritise investment in sports clubs, community groups and governing bodies of sport, especially those based in areas of greatest need that will deliver increases in sports participation amongst the identified target groups.

Note: the above programme target groups are women and girls, people with disabilities and those living in areas of greatest social need.

Active Inclusion aims to provide access and opportunities for people with intellectual and physical disabilities to participate in sport and physical activity. Active Living: No Limits 2021 Action Plan aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people with disabilities in Northern Ireland through participation in sport and active recreation. The Plan has the support of the Northern Ireland (NI) Executive across all its Departments, and was launched alongside an announcement of investment to provide specialist sports equipment as part of development of eleven disability sports hubs across NI. Active, Fit & Sporty the purpose of this investment is to create opportunities for female participants to get active and develop leadership skills through sport and physical recreation, and to promote female sport within the disability sport, education, community and voluntary sectors.

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Sports Facility Fund aims to address the under-provision of high performance sports facilities, partially address the identified shortfalls in community sports facility provision and to significantly increase community participation in sport and physical recreation. Tollymore National Outdoor Centre aims to provide a wide range of skills and leadership courses in a number of outdoor activities. Tollymore has a particular focus on knowledge creation and exchange within the outdoor adventure activity sector, particularly for those not normally engaged in outdoor activities. PROMOTING EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY BY IMPROVING PERFORMANCE: As part of a drive to improve governance standards in sport, increase performance standards and promote equality of opportunity and good relations, during the reporting period Sport NI continued to fund and govern all recognised governing bodies to ensure they are modernised, equitable and ‘fit for purpose’. Sport NI has continued to work closely and sensitively with a wide range of sports and their governing bodies in order to ensure that the letter and spirit of the anti-discrimination legislation continues to be reflected throughout the sporting community in Northern Ireland, thereby promoting inclusion. This work includes ensuring governing bodies have the capacity to increase participation in their sports by under-represented groups and by delivering high quality programmes and initiatives for talented athletes, such as: Sports Institute delivers high performance sport expertise to athletes, coaches and sports through provision of services. The Sports Institute continued to collaborate with high performance sport organisations within the UK, Ireland and internationally to exchange knowledge and development of innovative practices that focus on improving performance. 2016-17 marked an Olympic and Paralympic year, with the Rio Games taking place in the summer of 2016. PerformanceFocus aims to improve athlete performance through advancing the development of a world leading performance system. Investment is focused on improving the performance system across five interrelated areas. The Equality Standard assists sports’ organisations in developing equality-proofed policies and robust action plans and allow for performance to be assessed, ensuring continuous improvement.

Safeguarding Children in Sport encourages sports’ governing bodies and clubs to implement the standards of practice outlined in Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport. Athlete Support aims to support identified talented sports people to develop to their full potential, contributing to the achievement of medal targets and improved international placing’s and rankings. Boxing Investment Strategy aims to increase participation in amateur boxing through the provision of equipment and refurbished or new facilities. Club Development aims to develop high quality sports clubs through the delivery of Sport Northern Ireland’s Clubmark Accreditation Scheme and Club Leaders Development Programme.

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Coaching Development aims to develop and deliver effective systems for the development of the coaching workforce within governing bodies and other partner organisations Improving Governance and Leadership aims to ensure that partner organisations have the appropriate policies, procedures, plans and skills in place that promote a safe, fair, ethical and progressive sporting environment. PROMOTING GOOD RELATIONS: Together Building A United Community (TBUC) Sports Initiative aims to contribute to the delivery of the TBUC Strategy by supporting the Department to develop and implement a Cross Community Youth Sports Programme targeting both urban and rural areas across Northern Ireland.

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2 Please provide examples of outcomes and/or the impact of equality action plans/ measures in 2016‐17 (or append the plan with progress/examples identified).

EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY PARTICIPATION MONITORING DATA:

Number of women/girls, participating in sport as a result of Sport Northern Ireland investment.

Programme Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Active Awards for Sport

18,940 5,014 - - 23,954

Active Awards 2016/2017*

- - - (TBC) (TBC)

Active Clubs** 708 1,120 658 (TBC) 2,486Every Body Active 2020***

- 823 5,716 12,821 12,821

Active Fit Sporty**** 1,452 1,452Totals 19,648 6,957 6,374 14,273 40,713

Number of disabled people participating in sport as a result of Sport Northern Ireland investment.


2,956 1138

4,094

Active Awards* - - - (TBC) (TBC) Active Clubs** 190 133 55 (TBC) 378 Active Inclusion*** 1,703 1,632 1,384 5,015 Everybody Active 2020*

- 180 2320 5,234 5,234

Totals 4,849 1,945 2,375 6,618 14,721 Number of people participating in Sport Northern Ireland’s initiatives from areas of greatest social need.


10,057 4,934 - - 14,991

Active Awards 2016/17**

- - - (TBC) (TBC)

Active Clubs* 361 351 377 (TBC) 1,089 Everybody Active 2020***

- 164 3,105 (TBC) 3,269

TBUC 348 348 Totals 10,418 5,449 3,105 348 19,697

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IMPROVING PERFORMANCE MONITORING DATA:

At the 2016 Olympic Games: 28 NI athletes competed in Rio 2016 across nine different sports; 8 NI athletes represented Team GB (2% of the 366 athletes in the team); and 20 athletes represented Team Ireland (26% of the 77 athletes in the team). This was the highest ever number of competitors from NI at an Olympic Games.

At the 2016 Paralympic Games:

9 NI athletes competed in Rio 2016 across six different sports (an additional athlete was selected for the Team Ireland Football 7-a-side squad but had to withdraw through injury);

4 NI athletes represented Team GB (1.5% of the 264 athletes in the team); and 5 NI athletes represented Team Ireland (11% of the 44 athletes in the team).

A medal haul of 6 (including 5 Golds) represents the most successful Paralympics ever for NI athletes:

Jason Smyth won his fifth Paralympic Gold Medal; Michael McKillop his fourth Paralympic Gold Medal, (in each case across 3

Paralympic cycles Beijing, London and Rio); Bethany Firth became NI’s most decorated Paralympian at a single Games

winning 3 Gold medals and one Silver. Bethany set two new Games records and one new World Record. Bethany also won one Gold at London 2012; and

All three athletes received specialist support services through the Sports Institute.

Sports Institute staff also provided physiology support to the NI Football Team in the run-up to and during the Euro 2016 Finals, the side’s first major finals in 30 years.

Athlete Investment Analysis:

GENDER % Number

Male 16.7 16

Female 17.7 17

Prefer Not to Say 0 0

Nil Returns 65.6 63

COMMUNITY BACKGROUND % Number

Protestant 20.8 20

Roman Catholic 8.3 8

Neither 5.2 5

Prefer Not to Say 0 0

Nil Returns 65.6 63

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NATIONAL IDENTITY % Number British 20.8 20

Irish 10.4 10

Northern Irish 3.1 3

Not Disclosed 0 0

Nil Returns 65.6 63

RACIAL GROUP % Number White 34.4 33

Not Disclosed 0 0

Nil Returns 65.6 63

DISABILITY GROUP % Number Yes 4.2 4

No 30.2 29

Not Disclosed 0 0

Nil Returns 65.6 63

TYPE OF DISABILITY % Number Physical Impairment 3.1 3

Sensory Impairment 1 1

Not Applicable 30.2 29

Nil Returns 65.6 63

SEXUAL ORIENTATION % Number Heterosexual 34.3 33

Homosexual (Gay Man or Lesbian) 0 0

Under 18 Applicants - Not Completed 0 0 Prefer not to say 0 0

Nil Returns 65.6 63

MARITAL STATUS % Number No 19.8 19

Yes 14.6 14

Prefer not to say 0 0

Under 18 Applicants - Not Completed 0 0

Nil Returns 65.6 63

CARING RESPONSIBILITIES % Number

Yes 8.3 8

No 26 25 Under 18 Applicants - Not Completed 0 0

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Nil Returns 65.6 63

TYPE OF RESPONSIBILITY % Number

Child/Children 6.25 6

Disabled Person 0 0

Elderly Person/s 1 1

Other 1 1

N/A 25

Nil Returns 65.6 63

IMPROVING GOOD RELATIONS MONITORING DATA:

Sports Bags and Good Relation’s Training Programme 224 kits bags were issued to successful clubs on the 22 February 2016; 468 volunteers were trained in Enhancing Good Relations through Sport which was completed in September 2016. Simply Judo – Refugee Children Project (£5,000) Simply Judo, in partnership with Barnardo’s and Belfast City Council is working with refugee children and their families, from Syria and using sport (Judo) to further integrate their families within the wider community and their new home by providing coaching and pathways into club membership. Deaf Sport NI – Developing Deaf People (£6,000)

This project enables deaf children, young people and adults to participate in a range of sports programmes, delivered by qualified deaf sport coaches. The project enables deaf people to take their first steps into joining a deaf sports club or a mainstream sports club after completion. Disability Sports NI – The NI Primary School 5 Star Sports Challenge (£45,000)

This project delivers awareness raising, education and participation opportunities to promote the benefits of sport, address commonly held negative beliefs about people with disabilities and encourage active involvement in mainstream sport. Belfast Community Sports Development Network – Sport 4 Development Outreach (£55,000)

This project has three strands, namely: school, club and community. It proactively harnesses the power of sport as a way to create social change through partnership working. This project specifically targets participation in areas of urban and rural deprivation, ‘invisible interfaces’ and young people. North Belfast Play Forum – Midnight Street Soccer, female leagues (£20,000)

This project will establish and support three female Midnight Street Soccer leagues, finals and celebration event in three locations, also hosting the U19 UEFA Women’s Championship.

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3 Has the application of the Equality Scheme commitments resulted in any changes to policy, practice, procedures and/or service delivery areas during the 2016‐17 reporting period? (tick one box only)

Yes No (go to Q.4) Not applicable (go to Q.4)

Please provide any details and examples:

All Sport NI policies and procedures are routinely subject to rigorous s75 screening and, where appropriate, EQIA. Thus our equality scheme commitments are fully integrated and mainstreamed into the policy development process, from initiation to implementation, in an open and transparent manner. These changes can be incremental or reflect more generally on the level of awareness of s75 commitments among staff as a whole when developing new policies.

3a With regard to the change(s) made to policies, practices or procedures and/or service delivery areas, what difference was made, or will be made, for individuals, i.e. the impact on those according to Section 75 category?


Not applicable.

3b What aspect of the Equality Scheme prompted or led to the change(s)? (tick all that apply)

As a result of the organisation’s screening of a policy (please give details):

All policies are routinely screened and adverse impacts are mitigated whenever identified.

As a result of what was identified through the EQIA and consultation exercise (please give details):

Not applicable.

As a result of analysis from monitoring the impact (please give details):

An ongoing commitment to increase participation among women, those with a disability and those from marginalised and disadvantaged communities results from the analysis of ongoing monitoring data across all programmes, indicating under-representation by these groups.

As a result of changes to access to information and services (please specify and give details):

Not applicable.

Other (please specify and give details):

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Section 2: Progress on Equality Scheme commitments and action plans/measures

Arrangements for assessing compliance (Model Equality Scheme Chapter 2)

4 Were the Section 75 statutory duties integrated within job descriptions during the 2016‐17 reporting period? (tick one box only)

Yes, organisation wide

Yes, some departments/jobs

No, this is not an Equality Scheme commitment

No, this is scheduled for later in the Equality Scheme, or has already been done

Not applicable


New staff are provided with a copy of Sport NI's Equal Opportunities Policy during induction.

5 Were the Section 75 statutory duties integrated within performance plans during the 2016‐17 reporting period? (tick one box only)

Yes, organisation wide

Yes, some departments/jobs

No, this is not an Equality Scheme commitment

No, this is scheduled for later in the Equality Scheme, or has already been done

Not applicable


While these duties may not be included explicitly in staff appraisals, all policies and interventions are screened by staff. In addition, all staff receive annual equality refresher training.

In the 2016‐17 reporting period were objectives/ targets/ performance measures relating to the Section 75 statutory duties integrated into corporate plans, strategic planning and/or operational business plans? (tick all that apply)

Yes, through the work to prepare or develop the new corporate plan

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Yes, through organisation wide annual business planning

Yes, in some departments/jobs

No, these are already mainstreamed through the organisation’s ongoing corporate plan

No, the organisation’s planning cycle does not coincide with this 2016‐17 report

Not applicable


Sport NI’s annual business plans reflect the targets and aims outlined in Sport NI’s Corporate Plan 2015-2020, which include targets to promote equality of opportunity and good relations. Both strategic documents underwent rigorous consultation with stakeholders.

Equality action plans/measures

7 Within the 2016‐17 reporting period, please indicate the number of:

Actions completed:

7 Actions ongoing: 19 Actions to commence:

Please provide any details and examples (in addition to question 2):

Sport Matters: The Northern Ireland Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation 2009-2019 provides the strategic framework within which Sport NI operates. This strategy has identified 26 high level targets against which success will be measured. These targets are summarised by the three themes of Participation, Performance and Places and are listed below. Where targets have already been achieved these are clearly marked. Of the total 26 targets, there are 7 short term targets, 7 medium term targets and 12 long term targets. In summary 5 of the 7 short term targets have already been achieved (see below).

For more information visit: www.sportni.net/about/SportMatters.

PARTICIPATION

PA1 ACHIEVED - By 2009, to have agreed and commenced implementation of a revised research framework for participation rates that is cognisant of the recommendations of the Chief Medical Officers in the UK. Sport Northern Ireland finalised Northern Ireland’s Sport and Physical Activity Survey 2010 (SAPAS), the large-scale adult participation survey which will provide baseline data for many of the targets identified within Sport Matters.

PA2 ACHIEVED - By 2010, to have reviewed economic impact of sport and physical recreation in Northern Ireland. Sport Northern Ireland finalised, launched and published the Economic Importance of Sport in Northern Ireland. The report is available online at www.sportni.net.

PA4 ACHIEVED By 2013, to have stopped the decline in adult participation in sport and physical recreation.

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PA3 By 2011, to have established a baseline for the number of children of compulsory school age participating in a minimum of two hours quality physical education.

PA5 By 2014, to have increased the number of people in Northern Ireland in membership of at least one sports club.

PA6 By 2014, to provide every child in Northern Ireland over the age of eight years with the opportunity to participate in at least two hours per week of extra-curricular sport and physical recreation.

PA7 By 2019, to deliver at least a three percentage point increase in adult participation rates in sport and physical recreation (from the 2013 baseline).

PA8 By 2019, to deliver at least a six percentage point increase in women’s participation rates in sport and physical recreation (from the 2013 baseline).

PA9 By 2019, to deliver at least a six percentage point increase in participation rates in sport and physical recreation among socio-economically disadvantaged groups (from the 2013 baseline).

PA10 By 2019, to deliver at least a six percentage points increase in participation rates in sport and physical recreation among people with a disability (from the 2013 baseline).

PA11 By 2019, to deliver at least a six percentage point increase in participation in sport and physical recreation among older people (from the 2013 baseline).

PERFORMANCE

PE12 ACHIEVED - By 2010, to have a fully operational Sports Institute that supports 100 athletes per annum to achieve 70% of their agreed annual performance targets. Five service areas including Sports Medicine; Sports Science; Strength and Conditioning; Performance Planning and Performance Skills are currently operational at SINI delivering services to 197 athletes.

PE13 ACHIEVED - By 2010, to win at least five medals at the Delhi Commonwealth Games. Ten medals (including 3 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze medals) were won in Delhi 2010 in boxing (5), cycling (2), shooting (2) and bowls (1).

PE14 By 2011, to ensure that all Sport Northern Ireland funded governing bodies and sporting organisations are ‘fit for purpose’ organisations.

PE15 By 2014, to win at least five medals at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

PE16 By 2019, to have implemented nationally recognised coach accreditation systems for all Sport Northern Ireland funded governing bodies.

PE17 By 2019, at least 100 Northern Ireland athletes to have attained medal success at the highest level in their sport, including European, World and Olympic/Paralympic level.

PE18 By 2019, to have accredited at least 700 appropriately qualified, full-time coaches available to meet demand across all aspects of sport and physical recreation.

PE19 By 2019, to have 45,000 appropriately qualified, part-time and volunteer coaches available to meet demand across all aspects of sport and physical recreation.

PE20 By 2019, to have secured a world-class system for athlete development consisting of services, facilities and competition, following the hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London 2012.

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PLACES

PL21 ACHIEVED - By 2010, to initiate a Northern Ireland certification process that will improve safety management and the fabric of the major stadia in Northern Ireland, to comply with the Safety of Sports Grounds (Northern Ireland) Order (2006) and associated technical guidance.

PL22 By 2013, and subject to the normal approval processes, to have addressed the need for an operationally viable and commercially sustainable multi-sports stadium for Northern Ireland.

PL23 ACHIEVED By 2014, to have a minimum of 10 new or upgraded facilities that will support Northern Ireland player/athlete development in Olympic and Paralympic sports.

8 Please give details of changes or amendments made to the equality action plan/measures during the 2016‐17 reporting period (points not identified in an appended plan):

Not applicable.

9 In reviewing progress on the equality action plan/action measures during the 2016‐17 reporting period, the following have been identified: (tick all that apply)

Continuing action(s), to progress the next stage addressing the known inequality

Action(s) to address the known inequality in a different way

Action(s) to address newly identified inequalities/recently prioritised inequalities

Measures to address a prioritised inequality have been completed

Arrangements for consulting (Model Equality Scheme Chapter 3)

10 Following the initial notification of consultations, a targeted approach was taken – and consultation with those for whom the issue was of particular relevance: (tick one box only)

All the time Sometimes Never

11 Please provide any details and examples of good practice in consultation during the 2016‐17 reporting period, on matters relevant (e.g. the development of a policy that has been screened in) to the need to promote equality of opportunity and/or the desirability of promoting good relations:

Active Living: No Limits is a strategic Action Plan to improve the health and well-being for people with a disability in NI through participation in sport and active recreation. The Action Plan is centred on three priority themes: Engage and Encourage; Active and Inclusive; and, Involved and Inspired and was developed in partnership by a project board of key stakeholders through an extensive public engagement process.

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The Action Plan seeks to address issues that affect people with a disability given their continued under-representation in sport by facilitating a collaborative approach to increasing participation.

12 In the 2016‐17 reporting period, given the consultation methods offered, which consultation methods were most frequently used by consultees: (tick all that apply)

Face to face meetings

Focus groups

Written documents with the opportunity to comment in writing

Questionnaires

Information/notification by email with an opportunity to opt in/out of the consultation

Internet discussions

Telephone consultations

Other (please specify):

Please provide any details or examples of the uptake of these methods of consultation in relation to the consultees’ membership of particular Section 75 categories:

When engaging with groups including those with a disability, BME communities and young people, a range of consultation methods have been employed to ensure genuine engagement. For example, special arrangements were put in place for events targeting those with particular needs, including sensory impairment, through use of trained facilitators and/or interpreters.

13 Were any awareness‐raising activities for consultees undertaken, on the commitments in the Equality Scheme, during the 2016‐17 reporting period? (tick one box only)

Yes No Not applicable


Not applicable.

14 Was the consultation list reviewed during the 2016‐17 reporting period? (tick one box only)

Yes No Not applicable – no commitment to review

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Arrangements for assessing and consulting on the likely impact of policies (Model Equality Scheme Chapter 4)

[Insert link to any web pages where screening templates and/or other reports associated with Equality Scheme commitments are published]

15

Please provide the number of policies screened during the year (as recorded in screening reports):

15

16 Please provide the number of assessments that were consulted upon during 2016‐17:

15 Policy consultations conducted with screening assessment presented.

Policy consultations conducted with an equality impact assessment (EQIA) presented.

Consultations for an EQIA alone.

17 Please provide details of the main consultations conducted on an assessment (as described above) or other matters relevant to the Section 75 duties:

Sport Club and Sporting Winners Principles and Investment; Anti-Fraud and Corruption; Code of Conduct; Conflicts of Interest; Gifts and Hospitality; Governing Body Recognition; Risk Management Strategy; Lone Working; Whistleblowing; Service Charter; Active Living No Limits 2021; Freedom of Information & Environmental Information Regulations; Direct Athlete Investment 2017-21; Ministerial Decision Ballymoney; and Ministerial Decision Dungiven.

18 Were any screening decisions (or equivalent initial assessments of relevance) reviewed following concerns raised by consultees? (tick one box only)

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Yes No concerns were raised

No Not applicable


Not applicable.

Arrangements for publishing the results of assessments (Model Equality Scheme Chapter 4)

19 Following decisions on a policy, were the results of any EQIAs published during the 2016‐17 reporting period? (tick one box only)



The final decision report for the Corporate Plan EQIA was published outside this reporting period.

Arrangements for monitoring and publishing the results of monitoring (Model Equality Scheme Chapter 4)

20 From the Equality Scheme monitoring arrangements, was there an audit of existing information systems during the 2016‐17 reporting period? (tick one box only)

Yes No, already taken place

No, scheduled to take place at a later date

Not applicable

Please provide any details:

Not applicable.

21 In analysing monitoring information gathered, was any action taken to change/review any policies? (tick one box only)



Not applicable.

22 Please provide any details or examples of where the monitoring of policies, during the 2016‐17 reporting period, has shown changes to differential/adverse impacts previously assessed:

Not applicable.

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23 Please provide any details or examples of monitoring that has contributed to the availability of equality and good relations information/data for service delivery planning or policy development:

Sport NI gathers monitoring data by key s75 grounds on all major programmes to which it provides support. A key challenge for Sport NI has been the ongoing development of a robust research, monitoring and evaluation framework to provide the evidence base that will inform not only the identification of baselines but also progress towards the longer-term vision of our Corporate Plan and our contribution to the targets of Sport Matters. This is seen as a priority. Only through a co-ordinated approach to research in sport and physical recreation can we ensure that the government of Northern Ireland and the wider community have access to robust and reliable information. Sport NI is establishing a system to monitor the impact of all it policies, programmes and strategies on relevant s75 grounds. This monitoring strategy will be reviewed on a regular basis. If this monitoring reveals that any policy or programme results in greater adverse impact than predicted, or if opportunities arise which would allow for greater equality of opportunity to be promoted, Sport NI will review the policy accordingly.

Staff Training (Model Equality Scheme Chapter 5)

24 Please report on the activities from the training plan/programme (section 5.4 of the Model Equality Scheme) undertaken during 2016‐17, and the extent to which they met the training objectives in the Equality Scheme.

All existing staff were provided with annual s75 refresher training during the reporting period, in line with our Equality Scheme commitment. This training was provided by an outside consultant (Dr John Kremer), and afforded an overview of recent developments in the field. The bespoke training for new staff not only covered this ground but also gave an overview of the equality legislation more generally, set in the context of s75.

25 Please provide any examples of relevant training shown to have worked well, in that participants have achieved the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve the stated objectives:

Systematic evaluations of training are very positive. Also, screening is routinely carried out by policy owners and officers spread across the organisation. This demonstrates the depth of knowledge which is now commonplace and taken for granted, reflecting on a significant training commitment over many years.

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Public Access to Information and Services (Model Equality Scheme Chapter 6)

26 Please list any examples of where monitoring during 2016‐17, across all functions, has resulted in action and improvement in relation to access to information and services:

Sport NI gathers considerable data by s75 grounds in order to help identify potential inequalities. For example, the Corporate Plan EQIA was able to draw on available evidence to indicate inequalities and associated mitigations attaching to the following:

Gender

Available research continues to identify a ‘gender gap’ between men and women with regard to involvement with sport, and international trends suggest that this gap may be widening. The gender gap is manifest both in participation rates and in the administration of sport at all levels. NI is not alone in reflecting these trends but Sport NI has in place a number of positive action measures deliberately designed to help bridge the gap and will continue to monitor trends over time carefully.

Religious Belief / Political opinion

Sport Northern Ireland continues to operate in a highly charged political environment, and must ensure that the allocation of resources is fair, reasonable and proportionate to the needs of the entire sporting community. The wealth of data that is available would suggest that the demand for sport is high within both communities although the types of sports that are played and supported differ considerably. Sport NI has attempted to allocate resources according to need and in order to redress existing inequalities in provision but continues to remain sensitive to the needs of both communities in the determination of future funding and support. The needs of disadvantaged areas are also prioritised within these funding formulae.

Disability

Sport NI recognises that those with longstanding illnesses have traditionally been less involved with sport, and are under-represented in the NI sporting community. Sport NI is committed to working closely in partnership with the disabled communities and their representatives to find ways of redressing this imbalance, and acknowledges the important role that sport can play in maintaining the physical and psychological well-being of those with a disability. This strategy will extend not only to facilitating participation but continuing to ensure that facilities accommodate and encourage attendance from those with a disability.

Race / Ethnic Origin

While it is recognised that many ethnic groups may have felt marginalised with regard to the sporting community in Northern Ireland, recent research allied with targeted initiatives has helped to highlight opportunities that Sport NI can take to work closely with particular minority ethnic groups to encourage participation. It is recognised that targeted interventions may be necessary, given the particular needs and interests of each minority ethnic community and the new Corporate Plan will provide scope to look at positive ways of moving this agenda forward.

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Sexual Orientation

Homophobia has been ignored for too long in sport as in other life domains, and recent research has successfully shone a spotlight on the key policy issues that must be addressed to encourage more active participation in sport by the LGBT. Sport NI will continue to work with representatives of this community to translate policy into working practices that encourage inclusion.

Age

Set against an ever aging population, a challenge remains to include sport and physical activity across the life cycle. With growing evidence of childhood obesity, and traditional patterns of inactivity attached to older age groups, there are significant challenges at either end of the life spectrum that will require initiatives and programmes tailored to those populations. The new Corporate Plan 2015-2019 explicitly acknowledge these challenges.

Marital Status / Dependancy

The traditional model of sport naturally tended to cater for those who were seen as the primary target audience – young males. Increasingly it is recognised that through custom and practice, barriers may have been established preventing access to those who do not fit this stereotype, including those with domestic or other caring responsibilities. The new Corporate Plan has been developed mindful of the diverse needs of the population of NI, and in the development of new facilities it will ensure these considerations are given due regard.

Complaints (Model Equality Scheme Chapter 8)

27 How many complaints in relation to the Equality Scheme have been received during 2016‐17?

Insert number here: 0

Please provide any details of each complaint raised and outcome:

Section 3: Looking Forward

28 Please indicate when the Equality Scheme is due for review:

Sport NI’s Equality Scheme will be reviewed in 2017-2018.

29 Are there areas of the Equality Scheme arrangements (screening/consultation/training) your organisation anticipates will be focused upon in the next reporting period? (please provide details)

No.

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30 In relation to the advice and services that the Commission offers, what equality and good relations priorities are anticipated over the next (2016‐17) reporting period? (please tick any that apply)

Employment

Goods, facilities and services

Legislative changes

Organisational changes/ new functions

Nothing specific, more of the same

Other (please state):

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PART B ‐ Section 49A of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (as amended) and Disability Action Plans

1. Number of action measures for this reporting period that have been:

12

Fully achieved Partially achieved Not achieved

2. Please outline below details on all actions that have been fully achieved in the reporting period.

2 (a) Please highlight what public life measures have been achieved to encourage disabled people to participate in public life at National,

Regional and Local levels:

Level Public Life Action Measures Outputsi Outcomes / Impactii

National Regional Local

PERFORMANCE SPORT To maintain the number of athletes (n=15) receiving Sport NI Athlete Support Programme Funding through Disability Sports NI or mainstream governing bodies of sport. To provide advice, support and assistance to Governing Bodies in mainstreaming opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sport at all levels. To agree a prioritisation list of sports including at least six governing bodies.

Performance Structures improved through Performance Focus investment in the following sports: Basketball, Swimming and Boccia. Development of governing body disability inclusion standard. Inclusive Sport Award presented to Athletics NI and the IFA. Swimming, Athletics, Badminton, Table Tennis, Rugby and Football were

Collectively, the listed action measures have been designed to deliver on the following outcomes:

1. Increased awareness of disability issues.

2. Promotion of positive attitudes towards those with disabilities.

3. Improve upon the performance levels of NI athletes.

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To map talented players in Wheelchair Basketball and Boccia on Sport NI Performance Pathway. To ensure adequate representation on all UK and Irish Disability Sport Organisations.

prioritised during 2015-2016 and each developed an action plan for next four year period. Funding made available to deliver talent identification sessions with mainstream education. Attendance at the following: British Paralympic Association; Paralympics Ireland; UK Sports Association for People

with a Learning Disability; GB Boccia; and British Wheelchair Basketball.

4. Improved training on the disability equality legislation and disability awareness.

5. Increased number of people with a disability and learning disability participating in sport and physical activity.

6. Increased number of coaches involved in disability sport thereby creating more participant opportunities.

7. Removed barriers to participation for people with disabilities.

8. Improved efficiency and effectiveness in the administration of sport for people with disabilities.

9. More facilities that are fully inclusive of people with Disabilities, which will increase participation opportunities.

COACH EDUCATION & TRAINING To deliver inclusive coach education, training and sports leadership courses and workshops through investment in Disability Sports NI. COMMUNITY SPORT To empower local government staff to improve the health and wellbeing of people with a disability through sport and physical activity programmes. To encourage participation in sports projects and initiatives focussed on people with a disability.

59 training and education courses involving 1185 participants and 800 learning opportunities for leisure services staff, teachers, coaches and sports leaders. Development of local authority Inclusive Community Sport Guide in partnership with CLOA. Implementation of the following projects:

Belfast Active Communities Project;

Craigavon Inclusive Leisure Project;

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To increase the number of sports facilities achieving Inclusive Sports Facility (ISF) accreditation through investment in Disability Sports NI. To deliver on eight Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) associated with Inter-Departmental funding managed by Sport

Knights 25th Anniversary Wheelchair Basketball Programme;

Comic Relief ‘Be Active’ Programme;

Autistic care initiatives, Ballymoney;

Ulster Barbarians Wheelchair Rugby ‘Come & Try It’ event, Antrim;

Junior Paralympic Funday; Foyle Paralympic Sports Club

Pilot; Disability Sports Forums; and Mid Ulster Wheelie Active

Club. Draft delivery model, methodology and fees structure developed and adopted. 15 facilities worked towards ISF accreditation (9 achieved, 6 on track for achievement) The following outputs were achieved:

110 new athletes. 31 new coaches 55 volunteers gained sport-

related qualifications 32 new volunteers 4 clubs achieving Clubmark

accreditation.

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OUTDOOR RECREATION To work in partnership with Disability Sports NI and others to promote opportunities for the inclusion of people with disabilities in outdoor recreation. MARKETING & PROMOTION To promote and portray positively in the media, the work of the Sport NI disability project, and partner organisations. The provision of an efficient information and advice service for people with disabilities.

Representation on National Outdoor Recreation Forum. Bespoke disability inclusion training course developed for use by Outdoor Recreation NI aimed at walking clubs. Support for Ciclovia event to encourage tandem and hand cyclists’ participation. Disability Sports NI have reported over the period on their provision of an efficient information and advice service, including updating their website and increased use of social media. Disability Sports NI have linked into Sport NI social media and vice versa. New website launched with recommended changes and updates agreed. 8 new and/or updated athlete project case studies highlighting the positive experience of sport by people with a disability.

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2(b) What training action measures were achieved in this reporting period?

Training Action Measures Outputs Outcome / Impact

1 See 2a above

2(c) What Positive attitudes action measures in the area of Communications were achieved in this reporting period?

Communications Action

Measures Outputs Outcome / Impact

1 See 2a above

2 (d) What action measures were achieved to ‘encourage others’ to promote the two duties:

Encourage others Action

Measures

Outputs Outcome / Impact

1 See 2a above

2 (e) Please outline any additional action measures that were fully achieved other than those listed in the tables above:

Action Measures fully implemented (other

than Training and specific public life

measures)

Outputs Outcomes / Impact

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1 See 2a above

3. Please outline what action measures have been partly achieved as follows:

Action Measures partly achieved Milestonesiii / Outputs Outcomes/Impacts Reasons not fully achieved

1 All agreed actions measures for 2016-2017 have been achieved.

4. Please outline what action measures have not been achieved and the reasons why.

Action Measures not met Reasons

1 Not applicable.

5. What monitoring tools have been put in place to evaluate the degree to which actions have been effective / develop new opportunities for

action?

(a) Qualitative

Sport NI conducted high quality research which contributed towards the evidence-base for sport to inform strategic policy, reinforce the case for the value of sport and enhance the effectiveness of investment. A number of research projects were commissioned to provide both qualitative and quantitative information relating to s75 grounds, such as:

Mental Health & Wellbeing in Sport: A Review & Recommendations Young People & Sport Study

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6. As a result of monitoring progress against actions has your organisation either:

made any revisions to your plan during the reporting period or taken any additional steps to meet the disability duties which were not outlined in your original disability action plan / any other changes?

Please select

If yes please outline below:

Revised/Additional Action Measures Performance Indicator Timescale

1 Not applicable.

7. Do you intend to make any further revisions to your plan in light of your organisation’s annual review of the plan? If so, please outline

proposed changes?

Sport NI is currently in the process of drafting its Disability Action Plan covering the period 2017-2021. This will be cast against the regional cross departmental Strategy ‘Active Living: No Limits’ which will have a profound effect on future strategic support and investment.

i Outputs – defined as act of producing, amount of something produced over a period, processes undertaken to implement the action measure e.g. Undertook 10 training sessions with 100 people at customer service level.

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ii Outcome / Impact – what specifically and tangibly has changed in making progress towards the duties? What impact can directly be attributed to taking this action? Indicate the results of undertaking this action e.g. Evaluation indicating a tangible shift in attitudes before and after training. iii Milestones – Please outline what part progress has been made towards the particular measures; even if full output or outcomes/ impact have not been achieved.

SPORT NORTHERN IRELAND...This was the highest ever number of competitors from NI at an Olympic...

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